BATTERIES & CHARGING
CHALLENGES OF CAR BATTERY TESTING
AutoTest says the key problem lies in the difficulty of testing batteries, and this applies to repair shops, retail outlets, and service garages There is a significant shortfall in a reliable method of estimating the state-of-charge, which is based mostly on voltage and charge counting, says AutoTest. Assessing capacity is the leading health indicator of a battery. Measuring the open circuit voltage and checking the internal resistance do not provide conclusive evidence of battery state-of-health, it explains. A dead battery is easy to check, and most testers are 100 percent accurate. The challenge comes in evaluating a battery in the 80–100 percent performance range while in use. AutoTest says most service and repair workshops struggle to introduce good battery test procedures. It states that when testing a battery and trying to determine the state of health, the following must be considered: • Capacity – the ability to store energy. • Internal resistance – the ability to deliver current. • Self-discharge – cell integrity and health. The top indicator of a battery’s health is capacity (energy storage). A new battery should deliver 100 percent of the rated capacity.
This means a 10Ah pack should deliver Ten amps for one hour. If the battery fails to perform after 20 minutes, then the capacity is only 33 percent – AutoTest states, capacity defines end of battery life. Lead acid starts at about 85 percent and increases in capacity through use before the long and gradual decrease begins. Lithium-ion starts at peak and begins its decline immediately, but at a very slow pace. Knowing when to replace a battery is difficult – battery problems only become apparent with increased breakdowns, which may be caused by a lack of battery maintenance. AutoTest explains that battery replacement depends on the application. Using battery Analysers typically set the replacement threshold at 80 percent capacity but in some applications, you can keep the battery longer than others and cost decisions need to be made in different situations. More than 40 percent of all roadside car failures are battery-related, and 30 percent involve either a discharged or defective battery. Additionally, only a few starter batteries reach the average age of five years. The average car is driven 13 kilometres per day and mostly in cities. The most common reason for battery failure is undercharge or sulfation. Battery failure in the warranty period is uncommon, and driving habits are the main culprits. AutoTest says its Battery System Tester uses the adjustable load test to decide whether your battery is still usable or needs to be replaced. These testers measure the voltage drop when a voltage load that is half the battery’s CCA rating is used.
The load is applied for about 15 seconds and the voltage drop is measured. If the drop reading does not fall below 9.6 volts, then your battery is ideally conditioned, and is therefore, considered good. This accurate method of testing is exactly how the AutoTest Battery System Tester evaluates a battery. AutoTest says it not only gives a complete view of battery health, but is a conveniently portable, easy to use battery analysis tool designed for automotive service, fleet maintenance and breakdown assist diagnostic use – taking the guess work out of battery diagnosis and alerting you to replace batteries before they fail. AutoTest says the Battery System Tester is a professional quality unit that tests all 12V auto batteries, including new auxiliary batteries for hybrids. It reportedly uses advanced conductance testing technology to easily, quickly and accurately measure the actual cold cranking amps capability of the vehicle starting battery, the health of the battery itself, and common faults in the vehicle starting system and charging system. AutoTest says it can help maintenance personnel to identify problems quickly and accurately, thus leading to efficient vehicle repair. For more information, visit www.autotest.net.au
CHARGE UP
With Hulk Professional Series DC-DC Battery Chargers A modern 4WD’s alternator is not designed to fully charge auxiliary batteries. An insufficient charge can cause sulphation, resulting in shorter battery life and impaired performance of the vehicle’s battery. CoolDrive Auto Parts says the answer to this is the Hulk Professional Series DC-DC Battery Chargers, which it states are “some of the most powerful and reliable units on the market.” Available in either 25 or 40 Amp with a 12V output, CoolDrive Auto Parts says they are engineered to operate in the toughest conditions Australia provides, whether mounted under the bonnet or elsewhere. 74
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine July 2022
The units can charge auxiliary batteries to their optimum levels whilst driving, and can accommodate optional solar power. Fully automatic with a unique seven-stage charging algorithm, the Hulk Professional Series DC-DC battery chargers reportedly ensure that the batteries are charged to 100 percent, irrespective of size or type. With reverse polarity protection and a built-in battery isolator, the Hulk DC-DC Battery Chargers are also sealed against dust and water ingress and are safe to operate in temperatures from -20°C to 85°C. Remote LCD displays, terminal blocks, mounting
brackets, and more are available in the Hulk 4X4 range available through CoolDrive Auto Parts. For more information, visit www.cooldrive.com.au or www.hulk4x4.com.au
